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Mining History Association 22nd Annual Conference, June 1-5, 2011 University of Montana Western Dillon, Montana
Dillon’s Mining History Grasshopper Creek, one of the Beaverhead’s tributaries, joins the main river a few miles south of Dillon. Flowing southeast from the Pioneer Mountains, the creek was the location of the first placer gold discoveries in 1862. Lode mines were also discovered and continued to operate after the placers gave out. The mining camp became the town of Bannack which became the first Territorial Capitol. The first gold dredging in Montana was at Bannack. These discoveries were rapidly followed by those on Alder Creek near Virginia City. Both of these locations were visited on Conference field trips (see the Photo Galleries).
The little mining ghost town of Coolidge is located about 50 miles from Dillon. It is accessible on 4-wheel drive roads. In the late 1870’s and 80’s, Coolidge was a lively silver camp, with its best producer, the Elkhorn Mine, enjoying a 20-year run despite the long haul to a railhead. It shut down when silver prices collapsed in the 1890’s, but revived for a brief second run a decade later. With new capital, district consolidation, and a narrow gauge railroad, one of Montana’s largest mills was constructed. All operations ceased by the late 1920’s. Due to the excessive snow in the high country, we are not sure if any MHAers were able to make the trip. (Adapted from the spring 2011 issue of the Mining History News) CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS SOCIAL EVENTS (SEE PHOTO GALLERIES) Welcoming Reception, June 1, 2011, Beaverhead County Museum From the Mountains of Mourne to the Mines of Montana, an original play by Lisa Hayes, June 3, 2011, Beaverhead County Museum Theater Presidential Luncheon, June 4, 2011, Matthews Hall MHA Awards Banquet, June 4, 2011, Matthews Hall
TOURS AND FIELD TRIPS (CLICK ON TRIPS BELOW TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERIES) Barretts Talc Plant, June 2, 2011 Bannack National Historic Landmark, June 3, 2011 Philipsburg and Granite, June 5, 2011 Alder Gulch, Nevada City, and Virginia City, June 5, 2011 Silver Star and National Machinery Museum, June 5, 2011
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Ronald H. Limbaugh, General Chairman William W. Culver, Corky Rheinhart |
PHOTO GALLERY – 1 of 2
CLICK ON A PHOTO TO DISPLAY A LARGER IMAGE
Photo Credits: Johnny Johnsson and Mike Kaas
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY – 2 OF 2